6 Reasons to stay at the 12 Decades Art Hotel

29 April 2015

There's something quite special about staying one of Gauteng's coolest hotels smack dab in Joburg's most eclectic cultural hub, the Maboneng Precinct. If you have a chance to stay at the 12 Decades Art Hotel, do it. This is why.

1. Be inspired by Johannesburg's history

The concept behind the 12 Decades Art Hotel is a space which chronicles the history of Joburg from 1886 to 2006. Each room is customised to reflect a particular era of the metropolises heritage.

"This is the House that Jack built" was designed by Kim Stern who transformed Johannesburg's gold rush (1906 – 1916) to create a warm, elegant, contemporary space using gold the basis for hues selected.

Designed by furniture designer Robyn Symes and photographer Pierre Crocquet, "Marabi" is the room which follows the period from 1926 to 1936. The suite was inspired by Doornfontein during this era, where communal living became a way of life when landowners transformed the region into living quarters for miners.

It goes without saying that each suite in the 12 Decades Art Hotel has been carefully thought out and customised to align with significant historical events which took place in Joburg.

2. Stay in the centre of one of Jozi's most vibrant precincts

When it comes to inner city restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice if you're staying at the 12 Decades Art Hotel. The hotel is located right above some of Joburg's best eateries – Pata Pata, Chalkboard Café, Little Addis, and Market on Main are literally on your doorstep.

Delicious pizza, chilled craft beer, Ethiopian coffee or a light snack to tide you over until your next meal, are all within a lazy stroll's distance from your accommodation.

3. Gauteng's eclectic downtown lifestyle is a hair's breath away

12 Decades Art Hotel is also within walking distance from the location of Market on Main, a market where art lovers, coffee-heads, craft beer connoisseurs and organic food lovers come together to while away a lazy Sunday morning.

Then, as the sun sets, the salsa begins. Burn your energy with a sweat-inducing dance session on a rooftop in downtown Jozi.

If you are hosting a product launch, cocktail style or daytime event, make it unique with the help of the Main Street Life Rooftop Bar.

6. Feel at home

Each self-catering room at the 12 Decades Art Hotel has a lounge area, en-suite bathroom, flat screen television, DSTV, internet access, work stations and cooking utensils and cutlery. Plus, secure undercover parking is available for your peace of mind. Or, if you've opted to use public transport, explore the city with the in-house transport service.

Work up a sweat at the Rooftop Boxing Gym, anytime from 7am to 10pm.

Which other memorable or unique hotels have you stayed at in Joburg? Tell us on TripAdvisor.